Bangladesh
Haircut Row | RUB Rabindra University haircut row: Accused teacher suspended, institution closed indefinitely
Dhaka, October 1: Authorities have suspended Farhana Yasmin Baten, a teacher in the Department of Cultural Heritage and Bangladesh Studies at Sirajganj's Rabindra University for forcibly cutting students' hair. The decision was taken at a meeting of the university's syndicate on Thursday (September 30) night. At the same time, it has been directed to suspend the academic and administrative activities of the university indefinitely till further instructions. All exams have been postponed as well. However, it has been decided that the investigation will continue.
Acting Vice Chancellor of the University Abdul Latif said the members of the syndicate sat in an emergency meeting at 8:00 pm. There it was decided to temporarily dismiss Farhana Yasmin Baten. After receiving the report of the investigation committee, it will be decided whether she will be removed from the university or not.
The syndicate meeting was chaired by Acting Vice Chancellor of the University Abdul Latif and was attended by Professor Abu Md. Delwar Hossain, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Dhaka University, Syeda Nawara Jahan, Joint Secretary-3, Ministry of Education and Md. Sohrab Ali, Registrar, Rabindra University.
The members present at the time expressed their regrets. Earlier, Farhana Yasmin Baten resigned from three posts in the face of a student movement over the alleged haircut. She resigned as Chairman of the Department of Cultural Heritage and Bangladesh, a member of the Syndicate and a member of the Proctor's Committee. However, the students are still protesting, demanding her permanent resignation. The accused teacher submitted her resignation letter to the acting vice-chancellor of the university Abdul Latif on Tuesday night.
The agitating students observed the fast by locking the academic and administrative buildings of the university from Wednesday morning. They have announced to continue the movement till the demand is met.
The protesting students claimed that Farhana Yasmin Baten, the assistant proctor in charge of the student hall, used to mentally torture the students on a regular basis. A student also tried to commit suicide after the teacher forced the person to have a haircut.
